Honoring Messi's National Team Career! Argentine FA Issues New Regulation: Next Round Matches to Pause at 10th Minute for 1 Minute of Applause

After Messi officially ended his Argentina national team career, the Argentine Football Association made a special tribute arrangement. On September 3, Beijing time, the AFA announced that all football matches in the next round will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half, with one minute of applause across the stadium to pay tribute to the legend.

Earlier, on the evening of August 31, Messi announced his retirement through his personal social media platform, with the 39-year-old making this decision. Just three days later, the AFA issued Announcement No. 6940, which explicitly states that the decision comes from the board resolution of September 2, 2026. The announcement covers all categories of men's and women's events, including 11-a-side football, futsal, and beach soccer. All these matches will be interrupted in the 10th minute of the first half in the next round, with one minute of applause to honor Messi's career with the Argentina national team.